Performance Characteristics of a Limited Angle High Speed X-ray Tomography Systems for Optically Opaque Multiphase Flows*

Obtaining direct measurements of volume fraction fields is essential for understanding complex multiphase flows and validating computational models. X-ray-based methods, including densitometry (2-D) and tomography (3-D), facilitate direct, non-intrusive volume fraction measurement irrespective of opacity. However, high-speed applications pose significant challenges and the use of standard traditional systems is not feasible. A high-speed, limited-angle Scanning Electron Beam X-ray Tomography (SEB-XT) system has been developed and tested at the University of Michigan (UM). The UM SEB-XT system has been demonstrated to be capable of measuring volume fractions fields at a rate of 600 images per second. System performance has been characterized using both static and dynamic testing targets as well as a bubble column. Key factors impacting image quality and resolution are discussed.